KUALA LUMPUR (May 24): Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said further investigation into the cause of the collision between two LRT trains at an underground section near the KLCC station here tonight will be conducted immediately.
Bernama reported him as saying that his ministry will set up a special task force to investigate the cause of the accident. The task force will involve experts from various agencies, including from the Transport Ministry, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).
"The preliminary report would be sent to APAD director-general tomorrow morning," he told a media conference at the scene today.
He expects the result of the investigation by the special task force to be presented to the ministry in two weeks. “In two weeks, we will identify whether it was due to error in the signalling system, miscommunication or human error,” he said in the report.
Wee also said that this was the first such incident involving the LRT trains throughout its 23-year of operation in the country. “The impact of the collision was very great, with the passenger-carrying train moving at a speed of 40km per hour, while the empty train was travelling at a speed of 20km per hour. This incident is a lesson for everyone and we must ensure that the safety factor of public transport services is emphasised."
On the LRT operation for the Kelana Jaya-Gombak line that has been affected, he said Prasarana will provide shuttle buses and further information would be announced from time to time. He added that the Transport Ministry and Prasarana will also discuss insurance coverage for the affected victims.
In the 8.45pm accident, 47 passengers were seriously injured while 166 others were slightly injured.
Earlier, Wee said on his Facebook post that he is currently at Avenue K, after receiving news about the incident. "Passengers with injuries have been rushed to nearby hospitals for follow-up treatment."
Read also:
213 injured, 47 seriously, in LRT train collision
Muhyiddin orders priority in treatment of LRT train accident passengers
First time LRT accident results in serious injuries to passengers
Kelana Jaya LRT Line resumes operation
LRT crash: Prasarana to give aid to all victims
LRT train collision: Police urge public not to speculate
LRT mishap: Train driver went in the wrong direction — Wee
LRT crash: Various quarters call for transparent investigation
LRT mishap: Police will call up train driver to record statement
King expresses shock, sadness over news of LRT crash
Three LRT collision victims in ICU, says HKL director